Friday, May 27, 2011

Tiger Pumpkin pie

Who would have thought a trip to the library could ignite so many memories? As I glanced around the children's section; book after book started to talk to me. It was the titles that called out Mason's name. The first book titled "Where the Buffalo roam" I felt a warm summer breeze and remembered the field of buffaloes in Memphis.Then the next book "The First Snowfall with a snowman on the front and another book "Snow music" with a picture of a snow globe. The next book I laughed, a tiger was holding a Pumpkin. And after flipping through the book there stands a tiger holding a PUMPKIN PIE!! Mason had a special message that always included pumpkin pie. It was definitely a hello. A chill went down my spine from the next book" Tiger Flowers". Look at the cover; who would have ever thought?

With the next book my heart just smiled it was simply titled, "I'll always love you"I remained focused after we are in the public library; Ally started reading an ABC book out loud. I moved to another section of books. Only to find another title jumping out for my attention. "Look over here"

As we were walking out the door another book cried out; "Always my brother". I could hardly concentrate as I was scanning the books; I do have to wonder was this all a coincidence or was Mason really saying hello? I know there only book titles, but it seemed like the books were jumping out to me. I was just looking for books to read to Ally.Tonight we saw Kung Fu Panda 2. I remember the commercials. It made Mason smile. As we left the theater, Eddie whispered," Mason would have loved that movie". There was an empty seat next to me; I was thinking of the same thing.

2011-2012 Seasons of Wishes

Seasons of Wishes

Sept 2011- Jan 2012 Thank you family and friends from Wiscurzoos, Christmas lights to the Wishing Well, and Red Robin and Heartland Children's Ministry!! Together we raised an incredible $5262.59 for Make-a-Wish®, Seasons of Wishes. All in memory of Mason. Thank you!!!! This was our second wish granted. Our first wish was from November 2010- Jan 2011. Mason and Maverick, with family and friends raised enough money to sponsor a child through the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of Kansas City.

Sending prayers and green balloons

I wear Gray for Mason

Favorite picture

First time off the high dive

Oreo

Mason's cat rescued from a local animal shelter

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Make a Difference for Mason"Free the Tiger in YOU"

Guided by inspiration to keep Mason's dreams alive.We share his desire to find a cure and spread awareness for Childhood Cancer. Together we can make a difference by Bringing out the "Tiger" in others; uniting with courage and strength, while adding love and laughter to each day.

Mark your calendar Dec. 5, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Red Robin Make-a-Wish night (Overland Park and Independence stores)

Thank you for participating in the Head for the Cure!

We are already looking forward to the 2013 August 25 Head for the Cure 5K at Corporate Woods

Blogs We Follow

Happy Birthday Mason! Thanks for dining with us on June 21, 2012

Thank you everyone!! You helped Red Robin raise $850 for the Head for the Cure in August

About Mason Arik

To continue Mason's dream and his memory, we dedicate this blog to him. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (Brain Tumor) (04/22/10). He courageously battled his cancer for 11 1/2 months. On March 29th, 2011, it was snowing in Heaven. He is and will be missed forever. We will continue to write and share the strength and courage that Mason has taught us as well as the many other lives he has touched, near and far. Links are listed below to provide additional information regarding DIPG.

About Mason

Favorites: Star Wars,Bakugan, Bionicles, Collecting Rocks, Key Chains and Tigers. When he grows up: "I have a lot of time to decide what I want to do" Fav. color GREEN

Discovery of Tumor-Dx April 22, 2010

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. Then the headaches went from 2-3 times a month (over a 2 month period) to every night and more severe, by the 3rd night I contacted his pediatrician. I was told to give him Excedrin Migraine.

But by the next day we were walking to school and he had double vision- Thanks to the school nurse, we scheduled an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated they noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, we went home awaiting the results. That's when we were told it was a tumor (pontine glioma) We waited to visit the doctor before researching the internet. So imagine the shock to hear this is the worst locations to find a tumor, inside the brain stem. (inoperable and unfortunately very serious)

Leaning Tower of Pizza

6/15/10

Mason's favorite flower, Tiger Lily

My #1 Fan

But it all turns out right you see. And I go back to being.....ME.(saying on Ronald McDonald house wall)

HOPE

H-Holding on for a cure
O-Our strength from others
P-Praying
E-Each day making a difference!

May laughter fill your day!

Laughter the best medicine

St. Jude Memphis Running Team!

Congratulations to the ladies for finishing the race and raising over $2000 for St. Jude!!

I wanna be a Scientist

Mason loves science and tigers!

8/16/10

Why do I have to do this?Please tell me I am dreaming!

7/2/10

There are 4 things I really hate right now: my feet, throat, stomach and medicine!

Baptized on Mother's Day 2002

Life is a Canvas....

Let the colors come to life everyday! 6/5/10 What are you going to paint today?

Bubble

5/15/10 "I feel like I'm in a giant bubble, wish I could wake up and have everything normal again!"

Rock on

Mason loved his David Cook picture. He enjoys David Cook, and Black Eyed Peas

A Tribute to Mason

Making a Difference for Mason

THANKS for attending Chili's night!!

“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.” -Crowfoot

Go Chiefs!

Cards bring a smile

Thanks BRR card senders for making Mason smile every day! You ROCK!!

Welcome Rex 7/31/10

Mason's dream come true,Rex was rescued from Olathe Animal Shelter, hairless due to neglect, after begging who could say no, we got a winner , house trained and full of love and added smiles

A Day at the Park 2009

5/17/10 "Mom, what would you be doing if you were home right now?"

I flew like a butterfly, when I was at home. Feel trapped here. -Mason 5/10/10.